written by Shane Kyles
The book of Nehemiah ends with an emphasis on reading, hearing and obeying God’s word.
Verse 1 says, “The Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people.” We need to be
reading, hearing and obeying God’s word. God’s word gives us clear instructions of how to live.
We see that the people in Jerusalem started to stray away from living by the word of God and
as a result, division started becoming the norm. They started living contrary to how their
forefathers lived. Division started to creep back in. But, what they needed to know what that
they can and we can depend on God’s word to bring His people together.
When Nehemiah left leadership did not remain intact. People that did not follow the word of
God was put in charge. Greed took over. As Nehemiah returned, he realized he had to restore
order in the city. Verse 8 says, “I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household
goods out of the room.”
The wicked had to be driven away and warned against doing wicked in the community.
We learn from Nehemiah that stern action may have to take place to restore order in the
community.
Verse 21 “I will lay hands on you.”
Verse 25 “I beat some and pulled out their hair.”
Verse 28 “I drove him away from me.”
Nehemiah got the right leadership in place and gave them responsibility. Verse 30 says,
Leadership was purified and assigned duties each to his own task.” Leaders that rely on The
Lord should be given task and responsibility to uphold the community. Leaders must be
developed and built to last!
After rebuilding broken buildings, we see that discipleship is necessary! Discipleship is a
process. Work does not stop after the building and repairing. It takes a lifetime to make
disciples and build leaders. The work of building leaders in a community never ends because
new leaders are always needed.
Verse 31 says, “Remember me with favor O my God.”
A community cannot be built to last without God’s favor. As we prepare to start this “good
work” in our community let’s pray and ask God to give his favor on us and our community!
